Investigation of the relationship between musculoskeletal disorders, spinal mobility, spinal posture and scapular endurance in office workers

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between musculoskeletal disorders, spinal mobility, spinal posture, and scapular endurance in office workers. 73 office workers were included in the study. The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire was used for musculoskeletal disorders. Spinal posture and spinal mobility assessments were measured with the Spinal Mouse® device, and scapular endurance was measured with the Scapular Muscular Endurance Test. Individuals' physical activities were assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form, and workplace ergonomics were assessed with the Rapid Office Strain Assessment. A weak negative correlation was found between musculoskeletal disorders and spinal posture (rho= -0.336, p= 0.004) and a weak negative correlation between musculoskeletal disorders and spinal mobility (rho= -0.290, p= 0.013). A very strong positive correlation was found between spinal posture and spinal mobility (r= 0.921, p= 0.001). No significant relationship was found between scapular endurance and musculoskeletal disorders, spinal posture, or spinal mobility (p>0.05). As a result of the study, it was determined that musculoskeletal disorders in office workers are related to spinal posture and spinal mobility, but there is no relationship between scapular endurance and musculoskeletal disorders, spinal posture, or spinal mobility. According to these results, we believe that a comprehensive measurement of spinal posture and mobility using objective assessment methods may be important in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders seen in office workers.